With well over 400,000 residents, Bakersfield is a filled-to-the-brim city with things to do and places to see. It is also home to many intersections and highways such as I-5 and Highway 58. Due to such a large population and a variety of popular sights, it is not uncommon to hear that accidents involving large trucks and vehicles take place yearly within Bakersfield and surrounding cities.
Truck accidents tend to be incredibly severe due to the fact that trucks weigh tens of thousands more pounds than passenger vehicles. This means that many victims of these accidents will either walk away with catastrophic and long-lasting injuries or could lose their lives. If you have lost a loved one in a Bakersfield truck accident, you and your family may wonder where you can turn.
Man Killed in Fatal Truck Accident on Highway 99 in Bakersfield
On Wednesday morning, a man was killed in a fatal truck accident that took place on a highway in Bakersfield. According to a report from KSBY, the accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 near Highway 119 on January 3, 2024.
California Highway Patrol responded to the scene, where they discovered that a semi-truck was traveling on the highway and slammed into the back of a Prius. Both vehicles continued onward, where they came to a rest on the shoulder of the highway with severe damages.
Further information showed that the semi-truck driver was headed around 55 miles per hour in the slow lane. Police are not sure where the Prius was located, if they were also in the slow lane or stopped on the right shoulder when the truck rear-ended their vehicle. At the time, it was dark and raining in the area.
Paramedics immediately arrived on scene to assist those involved. The driver of the Prius, identified as a 43-year-old man from Atascadero, was tragically pronounced dead on scene due to traumatic injuries. It is not known if anyone else was injured in the crash.
No further details have been released but police continue to investigate at this time.
Determining Liability in Bakersfield Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are not only some of the most severe accidents on our roads but they are also some of the most difficult to prove. Trucking companies employ big-name insurance companies, which means that you may end up in a difficult position when it comes time for you and your family to financially recover.
When it comes to proving liability, your legal team will work to investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s accident. There are multiple parties who could be liable for a truck accident, including:
- A truck driver
- A trucking company
- A manufacturer of truck parts
- Cargo loaders
After you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident, it is always beneficial to seek legal help regarding your claim.
Contact a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident can be a life-altering situation that affects you and your family for years to come. As you are grieving, you should not have to worry about the bills that pile up against you and your family.
At Maison Law, we believe that reaching out to a Bakersfield truck accident lawyer can help you protect your rights during this challenging time in your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys will provide you with necessary resources so that you can get back on your feet and work on the emotional aspects of your claim. Please contact us today to get started and for a completely free case consultation.
